Galling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Psychology

• Experiencing events that are galling may lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety.
• People often respond to galling situations with anger, which can influence their relationships and social interactions.
• The feeling of being galling can trigger the fight-or-flight response, highlighting our instinctive reactions to annoyance.

Literature

• Shakespeare often used galling situations in his plays to develop conflict, showcasing how annoyance drives character actions.
• In contemporary literature, characters may express their galling frustrations through humorous or dramatic internal monologues.
• The tension that arises from galling scenarios is a common theme in modern storytelling, reflecting real-life experiences.

Pop Culture

• In films and television shows, characters often find themselves in galling predicaments, providing humor or drama for the audience.
• Galling moments in comedy often serve as a plot device, where the lead character faces increasingly annoying obstacles.
• The phrase 'galling mistake' can often be heard in news headlines, pointing out errors that lead to frustration in politics or society.

Main points about word origin

• The term comes from the Old English 'gælan,' which means to irritate or vex.
• In Middle English, it referred to something that would sore or hurt, leading to its current meaning of annoyance.
• The root word 'gall' can also refer to bile, a bitter fluid, indicating how irritating behavior can cause strong feelings.

The word 'galling' originates from the Old English 'gallan,' which means 'to irritate or vex.' It first appeared in the English language during the 13th century, and its usage has evolved over time. Initially, it was related to the idea of gall, referring to bile or bitterness, which has metaphorical implications of something that causes deep-seated irritation or anger. The word 'gall' itself comes from the Latin 'galla,' meaning 'bitter,' and it has connections to feeling annoyed or outraged. As English evolved, 'galling' came to describe those particular situations or comments that stimulate a strong emotional response, particularly frustration or embarrassment. In modern usage, the term has kept this connotation and is often employed to express feelings about unfairness or indignity.

Positioned at #22,602, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

• ...
• 22599 prettier
• 22600 pleurisy
• 22601 credential
• 22602 galling
• 22603 clumsily
• 22604 brightening
• 22605 brag
• ...